Charlotte To Serve As Colorado's ECHL Affiliate In 2009-10

The Charlotte Checkers have entered into a secondary affiliation agreement with the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche and American Hockey League’s Lake Erie Monsters. Charlotte’s primary affiliate will remain the New York Rangers and Hartford Wolfpack of the AHL.

Colorado has won two Stanley Cup championships and owns the NHL’s fourth-best record since moving to Denver in 1995-96. With this agreement the Checkers will be able to hold players in Colorado’s system on their roster.

“We’re excited to be associated with one of the best franchises in the ECHL,” said Monsters general manager/Avalanche director of player development David Oliver. “The Charlotte Checkers have a reputation of being a team that prides itself on developing hockey players. Our prospects are going to have a great environment to play in.”

Colorado and Lake Erie last held an ECHL affiliation with the Johnstown Chiefs.

"We look forward to working with Colorado and Lake Erie this season,” stated Wilkinson. “The Avalanche is an organization that has a history of success and we are excited to have the opportunity to play an important role in the development of their players."

The Checkers are getting ready for their 17th season of play as a member of the ECHL and 16th as an affiliate of the New York Rangers. In the team’s 16-year history, the Checkers have made the playoffs 12 times including five consecutive playoff appearances to date. The Checkers are entering their fifth season of play at Time Warner Cable Arena. Season tickets are on sale now. For season ticket information, please call 704-342-4-ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com.